A Tadworth man who repeatedly exposed himself to female victims including a 15-year-old schoolgirl has claimed it was a "harmless joy without any sexual motivation".

Alex Bell, 25, of Preston Lane, Tadworth appeared at Redhill Magistrates' Court on Monday, October 29, charged with five counts of intentional indecent exposure.

Prosecuting, Laylah Kessler told the court how Bell targeted four victims over six months with the first offence occurring on March 26.

She said: "The victim was walking along an alley in Epsom. As she passed him within touching distance, he exposed his penis."

Bell then struck again on June 28 approaching another woman, before returning to target his first victim again the following day.

Miss Kessler said: "She was walking to work at 4.45pm. Mr Bell ran slowly towards her and she recognised him shouting no, don't do it again, don't do it again.' He took down his trousers and shook his penis as she ran off crying."

On the fourth incident, Bell preyed on a 15-year-old schoolgirl as she was walking home.

She said: "She saw a male who unzipped his trousers and began shaking his penis and smiling at her. She walked past him in the hope he wouldn't follow her."

Bell struck again on September 8, in Rosebery Park. near Rosebery School for girls before being spotted by one of his victims while out shopping. She contacted police who managed to identify him from the CCTV images from the shops.

Defending, Mumtaz Chaudry told the court that Bell regretted his actions and claimed that they were as a result of depression after having to help his mum bring up his siblings.

He said: "He believes he has given a lot of time for the family. He feels that no one is grateful for his efforts. It led to depression because he was unable to finish his education.

"Some people turn to drink, or drugs and he has turned to what he has done. At no point did he attempt any physical contact and there was no sexual motive whatsoever.

"He said it was a harmless joy without any sexual motive."

Lead magistrate Jackie Shore told Bell that the incidents were so serious his sentencing would take place at a crown court.

She said: "There were five separate incidents. One of the victims was 15 years old and one was 16 years old. In one case it was a repeat victim. We were told that in one incident you came from the bushes.

"The victims were all alone at the time and some were on their mobile phones.

"We feel that the offences are so serious we cannot impose a sentence at this court."

Bell was ordered to sign the sex offenders' register and will be sentenced at a later date.